Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Is Ford About to Build the Greatest Truck of Our Generation?

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There are rumors that Ford's (NYSE: F ) next generation F-150 could have an aluminum body. The move could shave up to 700 pounds, or 15%, off the truck's massive frame, which would go a long way to improving its fuel economy.

However, aluminum might not be the only ingredient fueling the next-generation Ford truck to greatness. That's because Ford's F-150 will soon also be available to have a natural gas engine installed. Combine the two, and the end result could be a real breakthrough for the industry.

Built for performance

Aluminum has always been an important material for the automotive industry. It's already used to make engines and wheels, but today's advanced aluminum alloys are increasingly being considered for other areas such as the hood, trunk, and doors. In fact, Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA ) groundbreaking and award-winning Model S credits its all-aluminum body for its remarkable performance.

Ford is rumored to be on the verge of joining Tesla in taking its truck to the next level of performance by replacing its steel body with aluminum. The bold move would not only cut its weight to improve its gas mileage, but it would also improve the truck's overall performance. That's because lighter-weight aluminum enables vehicles to brake and accelerate more quickly -- all with better handling.

Fuel of the future

Ford's innovations don't end with aluminum. The company recently announced that its F-150 will soon be available with a natural gas engine designed by Westport Innovations (NASDAQ: WPRT ) . While it won't be available until the first quarter of next year, the addition of the Westport WiNG Power System to its fleet will make it the only full-size pickup that can come prepped from the factory for natural gas. The move really boosts the options for customers, as they will soon have the opportunity to purchase a new truck that's powered by a next-generation fuel.

Not only is natural gas 50% to 80% cheaper than regular gasoline, but it's also up to 90% cleaner. That's a true win-win situation for both customers and the environment. Finally, while electric vehicles such as Tesla's are clearly the future, given the performance requirements of most F-150 customers, the industry has a long way to go before it can offer customers a comparable truck powered by electricity, meaning natural gas is the only real option for the medium term.

What this means for both consumers and investors
The potential of combining the performance gains from aluminum with the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas could truly be a game-changing move by Ford. These moves could make the F-150 the gold standard when it comes to owning an environmentally responsible truck. When looking at that potential, Ford truly could be building the greatest truck of our generation. That means Ford's stock could prove to be quite a rewarding long-term investment.

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So, is Ford about to build the greatest truck ever? They've been number one in pick up sales for 36 straight years and I doubt they intend to give up the sales crown any time soon. Here's my thought, if Ford delivers this vehicle, some lower volume pickup truck manufacturers will be forced to fold their tent.

I do like ford trucks, but a natural gas engine might be difficult to find fuel for no?

I can appreciate that Ford is delivering new technology,

but I believe Ford is notorious for delivering an untested and unproven vehicle to the masses and let them shake out the problems. I think the ecoline V6 is an example of that.

If I wanted that truck, I would wait for it to be in production at least 4 years

(and I have a Ford F150 now, btw)

all well and good --- if you can get by with a half-ton....

there's actually a station around the corner here.

There are a couple stations by my work but have no clue on the general availability. I imagine it would be scarce in rural areas?

I wonder if they would be designed to burn LP as an alternative fuel in places that NG wasn't available?

Also.... If you had natural gas at your home for your furnace and appliances...

Could you fill your truck at home?

Just back up to your neighbors BBQ and fill up!

An Aluminum body? Even the Brits and Italians gave up on that idiotic idea and on a truck? It will look like crap in six months with that thin skin.

Dual fuel is the way to go until there are sufficient NG fueling stations.

Or a home compressor system that will take NG from your domestic supply and compress it enough to fuel your truck overnight.

Dave,
Have you seen the tuscany edition of the F150's?
They're sexy.
Also I really like their black ops edition too. Wow!!

If it has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs or so, then it'll serve 90% of truck purchasers.

NG is a huge fuel source.

now that would be cool.

Aluminum alloy....we ain't Brit or Italian

The panels will be plastic. The great thing is that in a couple years , you won't even need a jack to change a tire.

My BIL, mechanic that has his own shop, has a contract? with a contractor that runs the natural gas trucks. Last year he told me they were having some reoccurring problems with the fuel system. I asked him about it the other day and he said they had the problem worked out and the trucks were running ok. These trucks are used in the oilfield so you can just imagine the type of use they get.

Last year, there was only two places to get fuel for the trucks, one in BR and one somewhere around Ruston, but by now I imagine there are other places.

Next time I talk to him, I'll ask what other problems he is seeing.

Yup,

The systems were offered YEARS ago up in Alberta,......your own "Station". Slow fill, vehicle parked overnight, very low power draw.

Today,.....as we speak, a neighbor with domestic MG is using the little compressors that were powered by McCollouch 2 strokes, used to pressure up WW2 flame throwers. He's got em' driven by 110 AC motors.

GTC

I haven't seen either of those but I'll google fu it.


Yep, that's bad ass

I work in the natural gas industry. Problem is we are having a hard time getting the service stations to install the natural gas filling stations. These stations require a compressor and compressed gas storage tanks. Space is one problem. The Big Oil stations are another. They do not want to install them. The American Gas Association (natural gas association) is trying to get stations installed every 100 miles or so along the interstate system. Normally right now only utilities or fleets have natural gas, and they own their own stations and do not sell to the public. These Ford trucks will be bought by utilities who are into natural gas. Gas companies, postal delivery trucks, UPS, phone company, etc. It actually pays out for these companies if they have 20-25 vehicles. Fuel costs saved pays for the conversion and compressor stations. Natural gas equivelant energy costs vs gasoline or diesel is about $1.84 a gallon. Once fleets are firmly established it is a matter of time for other vehicles.

Our marketing personell get Honda Civics for their vehicles and they are natural gas powered. Honda sells a slow fill compressor about the size of a water heater to slow fill their cars overnight or you can quick fill at our station. It gets about 150 miles on a fill range and can be filled in 15 minutes at a quick fill station.

We have an F-250 combo diesel/natural gas truck that when blended gets 36 mpg diesel.

Advantages: Cleaner, about 60% less carbon into the atmosphere, cheaper, all American produced, about a 200 year supply HERE. Not imported fuel so money stays in America. It actually helps the engines last longer also. Less fouling. Dedicated vehicles do not need a catylitic converter.

Disadvantages: Only one major one, getting the compressors installed at fuel supply stations. Natural gas is not available in some rural and remote areas, especially in the west. However, new pipelines can be installed along the interstates and US highways to supply fueling stations. (more work for americans).